The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project is coming to a close as the opening date draws near. After many delays, tons of closures, and a load of construction, the soon-to-be complete bridge will be unveiling very soon with one operational lane open on Christmas Eve.
The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project
The Pattullo Bridge has gone through a lot of unexpected delays throughout the years. At first, it was expected to open in 2023, until a 2024 completion date became more realistic. Now, the date is set in 2025 with the highly-anticipated opening to come this winter.
Being 88 years old, the bridge has been in dire need of a makeover. The new Pattullo Bridge now features 10% wider lanes, as well as the possibility to increase its four-lane crossing into six lanes. In general, it will be providing:
- A safer crossing with wider lanes and a centre median that separates traffic travelling in opposite directions.
- Modern lane widths to increase capacity on the bridge by 10%.
- Improved community connections in New Westminster and Surrey.
- Separate pedestrian and cyclist paths.
Additionally, part of the Pattullo Bridge Replacement project is a new art installation beneath the Highway 17-Old Yale Road overpass; and the bridge itself has also received a new First Nation name. The name was recently announced as stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge, which “recognizes First Nations’ historical and current connections to the area.” The English name is Riverview.
Pattullo Bridge Replacement Lane Opening Date
The Pattullo Bridge replacement is slated to open in a phased approach.
According to the project, “traffic will be switched to the stal̕əw̓asəm (Riverview) Bridge in phases, to allow for completion of the tie-ins to existing roadways on either side.” On December 24, there will be one northbound lane open to traffic.
“Subsequent phases will begin in January and involve various lane configurations, including a one-week closure of both bridges anticipated in mid to late January. This work is weather dependent, and specific dates will be communicated when they are confirmed.”
The Pattullo Bridge will eventually be removed once the stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge is open, which will take approximately two years.
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